title: The effect of sequel symptoms and signs of Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 on upper extremity disability and quality of life.
abstract: Although properly treated, patients with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome type 1 (CRPS type 1) of upper limb may continue to have sequel signs and symptoms of the disease in long-term. The aim of this study is to analyse the effect of the sequel findings of CRPS type 1 on upper limb disability and quality of life. Thirty patients with CRPS type 1 of the upper extremity were re-evaluated for the sequel sign and symptoms of CRPS type 1 after 18 months (8-60 months). Pain, range of motion, strength, manual dexterity and touch perception thresholds of the hands, upper extremity disability [Disability of arm, shoulder and hand (DASH) questionnaire] and health-related quality of life [Short Form-36 (SF-36)] were measured and compared to 38 healthy controls. Of the 30 patients, only 3 patients (10%) were symptom free. Pain after use was the most frequently found symptom. Strength and range of motion of the involved hand was reduced in CRPS type 1 patients. Manual dexterity was impaired and touch perception threshold was elevated in CRPS type 1 patients. The involved upper extremities were more disabled in CRPS type 1 patients than controls. The severity of the pain, and numbness of the hands were the factors causing disability. Pain caused reduced quality of life in physical functioning. In conclusion, prolonged follow-up period and efforts to improve sensory disturbances (especially pain) may reduce the upper extremity disability and reduced quality of life in CRPS type 1 patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Süleyman Demirel University Medical School, Isparta, Turkey. serpilsavas@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Serpil
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Savaş
authors.forename: Hale Hekim
authors.initials: HH
authors.lastname: Baloğlu
authors.forename: Gökçen
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Ay
authors.forename: Sevim Süreyya
authors.initials: SS
authors.lastname: Cerçi
mesh_terms: D001132:Arm; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D020918:Complex Regional Pain Syndromes / Q000150:complications*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006987:Hypesthesia / Q000150:complications; D008297:Male; D010146:Pain / Q000150:complications*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011788:Quality of Life; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D012782:Shoulder; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014110:Touch; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology*